Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes PM Narendra Modi's government for allegedly using State Bank of India (SBI) to conceal "dubious dealings" related to electoral bonds. Kharge claims BJP benefits from the opaque scheme and questions SBI's plea for extended disclosure deadline. He asserts SBI's move aims to delay transparency until after Lok Sabha polls. Congress MP Manish Tewari urges Supreme Court to intervene, emphasizing public's right to know about electoral funding. SBI defends, citing anonymous donations and decentralized data recording. Supreme Court previously labeled the scheme as violative of transparency rights.

The estate of Sinéad O'Connor has demanded Donald Trump stop using her music at his political events. Following the playing of O'Connor's hit song "Nothing Compares 2 U" at a campaign rally, her estate expressed outrage, stating O'Connor would have been "disgusted, hurt, and insulted" by Trump's use of her music. The joint statement from O'Connor's estate and her label condemned the misrepresentation of her work, demanding Trump cease using it immediately. Other musicians, including Rihanna, The Rolling Stones, and Adele, have also objected to Trump's use of their music at political rallies in the past.

In an address at the World Youth Forum in Sochi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commended India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar for advocating national dignity amid questions about India's oil purchases from Russia. Lavrov highlighted the enduring ties between the two nations, emphasizing Russia's support during the Cold War and collaborative defense projects like the BrahMos missile system. Lavrov quoted Jaishankar's response at the UN, where he advised critics to focus on their own affairs, showcasing India's assertive stance on its strategic partnerships. Jaishankar previously affirmed that Russia has consistently upheld India's interests, underscoring the stability and warmth of the bilateral relationship. Lavrov's remarks reaffirm the strength of India-Russia friendship.

The Princess of Wales, Kate, has been photographed for the first time since undergoing abdominal surgery. Last seen on a Christmas Day walk, the 42-year-old royal was admitted to the London Clinic for a planned operation on January 16. US celebrity news site TMZ published a recent image of her near Windsor Castle. Kate's health has been subject to speculation, with her uncle entering Celebrity Big Brother. She returned home after 13 days in hospital, and Prince William continues engagements while she recuperates. Details of her condition remain private.

China's annual defence budget sees a 7.2% hike for the third consecutive year, posing significant implications for India. With three times the defence spending of India and aspirations to dominate the Indo-Pacific, including potential military action towards Taiwan, China's aggressive stance prompts Indian naval commanders to strategize aboard INS Vikramaditya. Amidst ongoing tensions on the Ladakh border, India faces pressure to bolster maritime capabilities to counter China's expanding naval prowess. Urgent decisions loom regarding aircraft carrier construction and nuclear submarine development as India navigates heightened security challenges in the region.          

Former Delhi University professor GN Saibaba and five others have been acquitted in an alleged Maoist links case, overturning a 2017 conviction order. The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court ruled the prosecution failed to prove the case, citing invalid sanction under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Saibaba, wheelchair-bound and 99 percent disabled, remains in Nagpur Central Jail. The decision follows a series of legal battles, including a Supreme Court remand for a fresh hearing. The sessions court's 2017 conviction accused Saibaba of possession of naxal literature and inciting violence in Gadchiroli.

the Supreme Court restores Donald Trump to presidential primary ballots for the 2024 election, rejecting state attempts to bar him over the Capitol riot. The ruling clarifies that states lack the authority to disqualify candidates from appearing on ballots, leaving that power to Congress. Trump hails the decision as a "big win for America," while opponents express disappointment. The case marks the court's most direct involvement in a presidential election since Bush v. Gore in 2000. The decision raises questions about potential criminal prosecution against Trump for his role in the Capitol riot.          

In the first Indian casualty amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, a man from Kerala died in a Hezbollah missile strike in north Israel's Margaliot. Two others were injured while cultivating an orchard during the attack. The Israel embassy in India condemned the "cowardly" strike, offering prayers to the victims' families and ensuring medical assistance. The anti-tank missile, fired from Lebanon, underscores the escalation in violence. New Delhi expressed deep concern over the conflict, condemning civilian casualties and reaffirming support for a two-state solution, emphasizing Israel's security needs and Palestinian sovereignty.      

France makes history by becoming the first country in 50 years to establish abortion as a constitutional right. In a decisive vote of 780-72, both houses of parliament approved the amendment, emphasizing women's freedom over their bodies. President Macron hailed the move as a new freedom guaranteed in the constitution, contrasting with US rollbacks on abortion rights. The decision aims to safeguard women's reproductive rights amid global trends of restricting abortion access. The constitutional revision sets France apart in the global reproductive rights debate, signaling a landmark victory for women's autonomy.

Chinese J-20 stealth jets allegedly shot down 17 Indian Rafale fighters in simulated drills, sparking skepticism among aviation experts. While China boasts of the J-20's superiority, Indian Air Force experts question the reliability of simulations versus real combat scenarios. Despite the J-20's advanced features like AESA radar, critics highlight the Rafale's combat-proven history and multi-role capabilities. Experts warn against overestimating simulated results, emphasizing the Rafale's extensive operational experience in conflicts globally. The claim fuels ongoing comparisons between Chinese and Indian military capabilities following tensions along the Galwan Valley.